야
ya[ja̠(ː)]
The English slang term "bruh" can be expressed in Korean as 야 (ya).
In this context, the word is used as an exclamation to express disbelief, shock or exasperation rather than as a literal way to address someone.
Meaning: amazement or shock (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
ya
Did you know?
- The sound of this exclamation is imitative and shares a phonetic resemblance to the Arabic vocative particle يَا, used to call out to someone.
- In many Korean dramas, you will hear characters shout 야! to get attention, but the specific 'bruh' tone of disbelief is often conveyed by elongating the vowel into a long, falling sigh.
Examples in context
- 야, 진짜 대박이다.ya, jinjja daebak-ida.Bruh, that is seriously amazing.
- 야, 이걸 진짜 했다고?ya, igeol jinjja haetdago?Bruh, you actually did this?
- 야, 말도 안 돼.ya, maldo an dwae.Bruh, no way.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is watching Do-hyeon perform a difficult trick on a skateboard.
- 지은 Ji-eun야, 방금 뭐 한 거야?ya, banggeum mwo han geoya?Bruh, what did you just do?
- 도현 Do-hyeon방금 본 게 맞아.banggeum bon ge maj-a.What you saw is correct.
- 지은 Ji-eun야, 진짜 멋있다.ya, jinjja meositda.Bruh, that was so cool.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 연습 많이 했어.gomawo, yeonseup mani haesseo.Thanks, I practiced a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 야, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 야, CC BY-SA 4.0.
